Dallas, TX-based electrical supplies wholesale distributor City Electric Supply (CES) announced it will promote one of its operations leaders to co-CEO to succeed Andrew Dawes, who will retire in April 2026 following more than three decades of service.

Dawes, who was appointed co-CEO in 2023, will be succeeded by current Vice President of Operations Blair Feidler. Feidler will serve alongside Co-CEO John Gray.

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As Dawes prepares for retirement on April 30, 2026, and Feidler steps into his new role on May 1, CES is finalizing succession plans.

Feidler began his CES career in 1997 as a driver and warehouse associate in North Carolina, before advancing up through the ranks over the next two decades. In his most recent role, he has overseen the growth of more than 150 branches across 11 states. He also led the development of the CES One-Line Service, a panelboard and switchboard assembly service, powered by a partnership with one of the industry’s top vendors and support from CES fulfillment centers across North America.

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The company said the leadership transition reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to developing leaders from within.

“Blair’s promotion is a testament to his leadership, deep understanding of our business, and dedication to our people,” said Global CEO Jeremy Saunders. “He thoroughly deserves this opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead. This is another great example of our culture of promoting from within, and we’re privileged to have such a strong bench of talent in the company. His 28-year history with CES and close partnership with the leadership team will help maintain the strong momentum we’ve built across North America.”

Gray added: “I met Blair early in his career at CES and saw a drive in him that can’t be taught. I’ve watched him grow — and had the privilege to be part of that growth — ever since. Like Andrew and me, he began in the branches and advanced through operations. I look forward to partnering with Blair and continuing the culture and values that make CES special.”

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CES Co-CEO Dawes to Retire in 2026

Company officials said Dawes will leave behind “a legacy of growth and leadership” that spans more than 30 years at CES.

He joined the company in 1992 as a driver and advanced through roles in inside sales, branch management and operations management. He became VP of Operations for CES Canada in 2012 and moved to the U.S. in 2017 as Co-Chief Operating Officer. He continued to oversee Canadian operations while helping lead new initiatives such as the CES eCommerce platform in 2019 and specialized departments, including National Solutions. He championed innovation and expanded the fulfillment center network from one location in 2018 to six locations across North America today.

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“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Andrew for many years, previously as co-COO and currently as co-CEO,” Gray said in a Nov. 25 news release. “He has not only been a trusted partner but also a friend throughout the years. We’ve accomplished a great deal together, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, insight, and leadership he brings to the company. It has been an honor to work alongside him.”

 (Lead Photo: Co-CEO Andrew Dawes (left) will retire in April 2026 and be succeeded by current Vice President of Operations Blair Feidler (right).